King County International Airport unveils new hybrid electric fire truck

King County International Airport-Boeing Field's new Oshkosh Striker Volterra hybrid electric fire engine is designed to maximize performance while reducing fuel use, emissions and maintenance costs. It allows the airport to retire its oldest diesel fire truck.

"Our region is experiencing the effects of climate change, and these challenges will only intensify," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. "We are taking bold, decisive action to reduce emissions. This new firetruck represents another step toward cutting air and noise pollution, making King County cleaner and healthier."

"The commitment to electrifying our vehicle fleet opens the door for the Striker Volterra," said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. "This is the perfect opportunity to replace a 30-year-old truck while making good on our pledge to help combat climate change."

The truck can be operated in full electric mode with zero emissions, including entering and exiting the fire station using only its batteries — protecting firefighters from exhaust fumes. It also has a diesel engine for extended operations.

"A major issue for firefighters is exposure to diesel exhaust, particularly so in fire stations," said ARFF Chief Capt. Jonathan Youngblood. "No carbon emissions on this truck in battery operation is one way we can help address this issue for our deputies. They can fulfill their mission of public safety in a better, less harmful way."

"The Striker Volterra electric ARFF vehicle represents the next generation of emergency response technology, delivering both outstanding performance and being conscious of the environment," said Brian Snodgrass, regional sales manager for Oshkosh Airport Products. "KCIA's adoption of this groundbreaking vehicle highlights its commitment to operational excellence and sustainability. We are proud to partner with KCIA in setting a new industry standard for airport firefighting capabilities."

This is not the first electric vehicle in the airport's fleet. Last year, KCIA deployed a battery-electric sweeper that is used to clear snow and debris off runways and other paved surfaces. The airport has also begun to replace other vehicles in its operations fleet with EVs like the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck.

"We're on a journey to become a world-class airport by 2030," said airport director John Parrott. "We're leading the way by embracing cleaner technology like the Striker Volterra and other electric vehicles to help reduce our carbon footprint."

The Striker Volterra is expected to go into active service soon, after KCSO ARFF deputies complete training. KCIA will then fully retire its oldest firefighting rig, a 1993 diesel crash tender that has been used as a reserve vehicle for several years. A 2008 Oshkosh Striker will replace the 1993 tender on reserve duty. A third rig, a 2020 Oshkosh Striker, will remain in active service.